Dear Families,
It is the time of year when I say to students, “Have a restful break.” After the stresses of finals and the academic semester, I want students to rest and rejuvenate themselves before we start up again.
Yet, that is often easier said than done — not just for our students, but for you and me as well. The holidays can be hectic, juggling extra tasks and managing family expectations, though they can be joyful, too. There may be an adjustment period as your student re-acclimates to home life. After months of being independent, they may struggle with household rules and family schedules.
In addition, we know the holidays and winter season can increase mental health challenges for students and families alike, whether from unrealistic expectations of the season, financial pressures or evolving family, friend and relationship dynamics, among many stressors. Bentley University has resources available to your student year-round, including during breaks, and I wanted to let you know what is available.
I asked my team for some recommendations on the best things for all of us to do over break to rest and rejuvenate. I’m sharing the top 10 ideas for you below. In addition, I’ve provided some phone numbers for you and your student to access services if you need them. And here is a flyer that we’ve been sharing with students about mental health support over break.
I wish you some rest and time to rejuvenate in the coming weeks. As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if I can assist.
Andrew
J. Andrew Shepardson, PhD Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Student
Top Ten Tips from Student Affairs Staff for Winter Break
- Connect with friends and family. Plan time to see people you love.
- Make sure to allocate time for rest and downtime.
- Spend time in nature, whether it be a winter sport, winter walk or even just stepping outside to get some fresh air.
- Create time for hobbies or things you enjoy or try something new!
- Sleep in and work on creating a good bedtime routine.
- Bake or cook your favorite treats.
- Take time to reflect on 2025 and think about some of your goals and aspirations for 2026.
- Watch your favorite TV show/movies or start a new book.
- Play your favorite music.
- Exercise in a way that brings you joy.
Resources
- The Health Center’s Advice Nurse Line is available 24/7 to students at 781-891-2222.
- The Counseling Center’s Crisis Hotline for students (Protocall) is available 24/7 at 781-891-2274.
- The University Police Emergency Line is 781-891-3131. (They can connect with administrators on call.)
Greetings from Bentley University’s Division of Student Affairs! I’m the Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs. Throughout the year, I’ll be writing to you to share information to help your student have the best possible experience at Bentley.
I often hear two things from students:
- “I am too busy to participate in anything on campus” or
- “There is nothing to do on campus”
I imagine you’ve heard versions of these from your student, too. It’s true that Bentley students are busy. But when I talk to students, I find it helps to ask them to quantify their week by adding up the total number of hours in a week (168 hours) and then take out:
- 8 hours a day to sleep
- 15 hours a week to be in class
- 45 hours a week to study (which is on the high end of the recommended 6–9 hours a week per course)
- 6 hours of exercise a week
- 2 hours a day to eat
- 1 hour a day to shower/get ready
That leaves 25 hours per week — and that is if they are well rested, studying at the max, working out, eating well, and taking care of themselves. Even with a part-time job or internship and/or if they are an athlete or commuter, there is still plenty of time left in the week to be engaged on campus.
And there is a lot to do on campus — meetings of clubs and organizations, on-campus speakers, workshops, cultural events, and social parties. While it may seem overwhelming at times, there is always something to do. While we acknowledge that relaxation and downtime are important, we also want to encourage students to engage with the community to get the most they can out of their campus experience.
Why? We know from research from Gallup, the analytics and advisory firm, that participation in outside-the-classroom activities has long-term positive effects for students — it improves their wellbeing beyond college and leads to greater workplace engagement.
Below are links to websites and social media that may help you guide your student to become more involved on campus and have a more enjoyable and healthy experience at Bentley.
Please don’t hesitate to email me if I can be of assistance.
Andrew
Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs
